COLD-BLOODED COMPANIONS
September 16, 2016 VO LUM E 1 4 | IS S U E 46 | FREE
Exotic pets require unique foods, habitats. PAGE 12
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A true-blue show of support
Wounded detective ‘a fighter,’ doctor says
More than a thousand people take part in prayer vigil for Detective Dan Brite at Parker Adventist Hospital
By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com As they looked out a fourth-floor window at Parker Adventist Hospital, members of Detective Dan Brite’s family saw a bright blue sky above and a sea of blue below. More than a thousand people stood in the parking lot, dressed in blue, to pray and offer support for Brite and his family. “It’s incredible,” Brite’s cousin, Brian Coates, said before the Sept. 11 event began. Brite was in critical condition at the hospital after having been shot by a suspect police believe was suicidal on Sept. 2 near Parker. Wes Crespi, owner of Coffee Cabin in Parker, came up with the idea for the vigil and promoted the event through social media. In a Facebook post, Crespi said he wanted to show Brite’s daughters the community was behind their father and that Brite was in an “exclusive fraternity” of heroes who sacrifice themselves to protect others. Coates came from Oklahoma City to Parker with his wife and two children to be with his extended family. He said he, Brite and Steve Brite, Dan’s brother, were close companions as children. “Dan and his brother Steve, we all grew up together,” Coates said. He added that he couldn’t speak for Brite’s wife and children, but he knew they were grateful for the community’s efforts. “I’m sure they appreciate it,” he said. Coates adding that if he could say one thing to the community, it would be an obvious, but heartfelt, sentiment. “Just ‘thank you,’ ” he said. “You say it a lot, but, it’s just been overwhelming, all of the support, all of the prayers, the fundraising, everything. Thank you.” The 20-minute ceremony was at times somber, at times joyous and at all times
Doctors, family give update on Dan Brite’s condition By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Julia Holmes, 6, prays at the vigil for Detective Dan Brite at Parker Adventist Hospital on Sept. 11. Photos by Tom Skelley Students from Southeast Christian School hold a banner to show appreciation for Detective Dan Brite and other law enforcement officers. The banner was made with the handprints of 356 students from kindergarten to eighth grade.
Vigil continues on Page 7
Detective Dan Brite remains in the intensive care unit at Parker Adventist Hospital in “very critical condition,” according to Dr. Michael Bertocchi, trauma surgeon who led the medical team that treated Brite after he was shot Sept. 2. During a Sept. 9 news conference at Parker Adventist, Bertocchi said Brite is responding to stimuli, though his consciousness is “blunted.” He said the brain shuts down somewhat whenever the body is critically Brite injured to allow other organs to heal. “He’s responding to treatments but he has to overcome the great physiological deficits that occur in a massive hemorrhage, and at this time we are dealing with those issues,” Bertocchi said. While responding to a “suicidal” suspect’s home near Sierra Middle School, Brite was shot by Randall Rodick, who was killed by a police officer moments later, authorities said. Brite is a member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Impact Unit, a special squad that works with detectives from other local agencies, often targeting
School board seat officially vacant Board had been deadlocked on the issue of Benevento’s resignation
By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com After a second special meeting of the Douglas County Board of Education in three days, Doug Benevento’s resignation was accepted by a 6-1 vote Sept. 8. David Ray cast the dissenting vote.
At a Sept. 6 meeting on the same topic, the board did not accept his resignation following a deadlocked 3-3 vote. “I voted ‘no’ to convey the message that I am still concerned that we are condoning a political tactic that gives an unfair advantage to a future candidate,” Ray said. “Had there been an acknowledgment from the board president
Benevento
that it is inappropriate to resign from an elected position with this intent, I would have voted in favor of the resolution.” Benevento, an attorney who lives in Highlands Ranch, did not attend either meeting in person but called into the Sept. 8 meeting to ensure the vote to
Recovery continues on Page 6
BACK ON TRACK Ponderosa rebounds with big win over Douglas County. PAGE 24
Board continues on Page 19
Free Cocktails, Food and Swag Bag. RSVP now for September 29th. 303-945-2080 David Verebelyi, MD
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